Mert Leese

1943 - 2025

Mert Leese

March 5, 1943 - September 25, 2025

Mert Leroy Leese, 82, formerly of Lolo, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at The Springs Missoula Footsteps Residence.

Mert was born on March 5, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Leonard and Ferol Leese. His early years were spent in Idaho until the family relocated to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana, first to Corvallis in 1949, and later to Stevensville in 1951, settling on the family farm in the Ambrose area on Leese Lane. He graduated from Lone Rock School and Stevensville High School in 1961.

On August 14, 1960, Mert married the love of his life, Rita Seerup. This past August, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. Together, they raised four wonderful children in the Mill Creek area, where they lived for 50 years before moving to Missoula in 2022.

Mert had a deep love for animals and rural life. At their Mill Creek home, he cared for sheep, chickens, rabbits, and any other animals the family brought home. He also sheared sheep throughout the valley as a hobby, always enjoying the people he met along the way. He was a skilled woodworker, an avid gardener, and a beloved neighbor affectionately known as the "Mayor of Mill Creek."

Deeply committed to his community, Mert served for several years on the Woodman School Board and coached his son's Little League baseball team. He worked at Stone Container for 37 years, retiring in 2005. During his time there, he was a dedicated advocate for his coworkers, serving as the Local Union Secretary for many years.

Mert was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ferol Leese; his brother, Burton Leese; and his daughter, Teresa Leese.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Leese of Missoula; his brother, Gary Leese (Carol) of Stevensville; daughters, Deborah Leese Odyk (Jack) of Missoula, Linette Lemm (Michael) of Goodyear, Ariz.; and son, Rod Leese (Sherie) of Kalispell. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

Our Lord and Savior saw that Mert was ready for peace. He eased his pain, calmed his mind, and gently laid him to rest. The Leese family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and loving caregivers at Footsteps. You welcomed Mert, entertained him, showed him patience, and even let him flirt a little. His face would light up whenever you passed by with a warm smile, a gentle touch, or a playful gesture. He truly loved you all. Special thanks also go to Hestia Stillwater Hospice for their compassionate care, especially on his final night.

We ask for prayers and peace for all the residents and families at The Springs Footsteps. Our hearts are with you.

Goodbye, dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and best friend. You will be deeply loved, fondly remembered, and greatly missed by all your family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Garden City Funeral Home

406-543-4190